Gillian Stein

Gillian Stein is the CEO of Henry’s, an iconic Canadian brand and the country’s largest independent camera retailer. Since taking over as CEO in 2015, she has helped transform the traditional retailer into an omni-channel specialty business, and oversaw a successful restructuring process while navigating the pandemic. And in December 2021, she became the first and only high profile Canadian CEO to announce a personal mental illness diagnosis.

Gillian felt moved to share her bipolar disorder diagnosis after a family friend passed away due to suicide. She understood that despite the progress made in recent years, the stigma around mental illness and getting support remained — and being open about her own experience could help end it. Through a personal LinkedIn article, she explained how her bipolar disorder has shaped her life, without controlling it — enabling others struggling with their mental health to “feel seen and understood and empowered.”